When the weather turns cold and foraging season slows down, I generally turn to harvesting evergreen needles – pine, spruce, fir and hemlock. The past week or so I’ve been starting my day with a cup of pine needle tea. But, ummm, in the afternoon I’d like a cookie with that tea. Pine needle sugar cookies are perfect.Continue Reading

It’s always fun to get to check out a new book before the rest of the world sees it. And The Suburban Micro-Farm by Amy Stross was no exception. This gardening book really does cover it all, and there is plenty for both the beginner, and advanced gardener.

If you are living on a small plot of land, you’ll really appreciate Amy’s years of experience and wisdom in getting the most of every inch of your property. She’ll teach you how to build your soil, and to grow fruits, vegetables, and herbs.Continue Reading

Does something that reminds you of being sick belong in the category ‘Good Memories’? My mom gave us flat ginger ale whenever we were recovering from a bout of stomach flu. It was part of being cared for, and it definitely settled my stomach. So, for me, it’s a memory of comfort.

Yes, we drank soda when we were kids on special occasions, although back then I would choose orange or root beer, rather than ginger ale. I rarely drink store-bought soda these days – but, if I had to choose, it would be ginger ale. I guess my tastes have changed.Continue Reading

Guys, I’ve been caffeine-free for six months! Seriously, I tried to quit coffee for years -without success – because it was killing my adrenal glands. With much prayer and the help of Roasted Dandelion Root Coffee, I finally succeeded.

I don’t love dandelion root coffee as much as I love coffee, it’s true, but as long as it’s dark roasted, it’s pretty darn good. But I had the thought that I’d like to spice it up – literally – by making my own roasted dandelion root chai.Continue Reading

Fall is the Time for Collecting Acorns

Every fall I look at the acorns on the ground. Every fall I tell myself that one of these days I will collect them and make acorn flour. Well, I’m proud to say that this is the year! I did it; not only did I make acorn flour, I used it in pancakes, and make cookies with it. Guys, it’s good stuff!Continue Reading

Garlic does really well in my garden, and I’m thankful since I use so much of it. I use it daily, and it’s an essential ingredient in my Roasted Tomato Sauce and Pine Needle Salad Dressing. And when I’ve grown plenty, like this year, some of it is made into garlic powder.

Making your own garlic powder is straight-forward and simple. It can be time consuming, but the right tools really help to make quick work of the task.Continue Reading